New IKEA store for Sussex?

The Swedish furniture giant has refused to rule out a move to the county, after rumours emerged that the firm could move to land owned by Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

The club’s executive director Martin Perry last night confirmed the Albion had bought land previously earmarked for 600 homes near its training ground site at Lancing, east of Worthing.

The emerging Adur local plan also makes provision for ‘employment space’ and a new primary school.

An IKEA spokesman said the firm had been evaluating a number of potential sites for an store in the county, adding: “At this stage we are only making preliminary enquiries and have nothing further to confirm.”

The land at New Monks Farm lies north of the Seagulls’ elite football performance centre. According to Companies House records, New Monks Farm Development Limited’s registered address was changed to Albion’s AMEX stadium on April 7. A number of new directors, including Mr Perry, were appointed shortly beforehand.

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